THE LEGEND OF SURAM FORTRESS (1985)
Sergei Parajanov & Dodo Abashidze | Georgia | 1h 28m | Georgian with English subtitles
In THE LEGEND OF SURAM FORTRESS, Sergei Parajanov transforms one of Georgia's most haunting legends into an extraordinary vision of faith, destiny and devotion.
FOMO presents the film as the opening screening of MARTYRS & MADNESS, the fourth night of our alternative Halloween Film Week. On the eve of Halloween, we explore the relationship between faith, fanaticism and the ultimate price of belief.
At 21:20, Ken Russell's THE DEVILS (1971) continues the theme through the story of Father Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), who faces torture and death rather than renounce his conscience and faith. Where Zurab willingly sacrifices himself to protect his homeland, Grandier refuses to abandon his convictions in the face of persecution. Together, these films offer two profoundly different portraits of men prepared to die for what they believe in.
Set in medieval Georgia, THE LEGEND OF SURAM FORTRESS follows a community struggling to build a fortress to defend its homeland. Each time the walls rise, they mysteriously collapse. A fortune-teller declares that the fortress will stand only if a young man is sealed alive within its walls.
Drawing on Georgian folklore and Daniel Chonqadze's nineteenth-century literary retelling, the film weaves together forbidden love, betrayal and prophecy. At its heart is Zurab, whose willingness to sacrifice himself for his homeland gives the ancient legend its powerful emotional centre.
THE LEGEND OF SURAM FORTRESS marked Parajanov's return to feature filmmaking after almost fifteen years. Born in Tbilisi to Armenian parents, he had established himself with SHADOWS OF FORGOTTEN ANCESTORS and THE COLOR OF POMEGRANATES before falling foul of Soviet authorities. Censorship and imprisonment interrupted his career until his return in 1985, working alongside Georgian actor and co-director Dodo Abashidze.
Parajanov and Abashidze tell the story through a succession of richly composed images rather than conventional realism. Georgian textiles, ceremonial costumes, religious iconography, traditional music and ritual dances create a world inspired by medieval painting and the visual traditions of the Caucasus. Each scene unfolds like a living painting, making the film a remarkable experience on the big screen.
Dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for Georgia's independence, THE LEGEND OF SURAM FORTRESS carries particular resonance in Parajanov's birthplace, connecting its ancient story to Georgia's history and cultural identity.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY: SHEREKILEBI Bar in FOMO Cinema opens 1 hour before the first screening of the day and closes at 01:30, serving a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments, as well as fresh hot popcorn! Outside food is allowed in the bar but not in the cinema. No alcohol or drinks from outside allowed. All guests are invited to arrive early and stay late!
LOCATION: FOMO Secret Cinema, Bazari Orbeliani, Tbilisi. A five minute walk from Liberty Square metro.
HOW TO FIND FOMO: Enter Bazari Orbeliani via Atoneli St above Carrefour and take the stairs on your left to Level 1. Signage on the door. You can also check our Instagram story highlights for a video showing exactly how to find us: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTMzMTA2Mjk0MDI5MjM1
REFUND & CREDIT POLICY: If FOMO cancels a screening, all ticket holders will receive a full refund. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, we’ll issue you a credit for the value of your ticket if you let us know 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. The credit an be used for any FOMO film screening within the following 30 days.
TICKETS are also available to purchase over the bar if not sold out.
FOMO Secret Cinema • Bazari Orbeliani, 0105 Tbilisi, Georgia
